HEALTH

Yearning to spend more time outside? Tired of a monthly gym membership? You’re in luck! LA County has sixty parks designed for all kinds of fitness needs. From fitness zones to yoga classes to walking clubs, there’s something for everyone in the family.

So find the park closest to you and start reaping the benefits of fitness in the park.

0

Fitness & Exercising Parks

0

Fitness Par Courses

0

Fitness Zones

EXERCISE & FITNESS

Parks are a perfect place to exercise and stay fit. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system and helps prevent diseases such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Health care providers often call exercise the “miracle” or “wonder” drug because of the wide variety of proven benefits that it provides. Get started in your exercise program today at your local park.

FITNESS PAR COURSES

Exercise courses allow patrons to exercise for free, outside in the fresh air. Don’t be stuck in a gym when you can do many cardio and strength building exercises in the park! Course stations offer a number of exercises complete with informational signs.

FITNESS ZONES

As people look for new ways to exercise and stay fit, many of our parks feature outdoor exercise equipment to the delight of our patrons, who want to work out and get healthier while enjoying an outdoor setting.

Across the Department of Parks and Recreation, at least 31 fitness zones provide a place where you can engage in moderate- to high-impact resistance exercise alone or in groups. And, best of all, it’s free of charge.

GYMNASIUMS

Gymnasiums are used for a variety of sports and recreational programs including indoor soccer, volleyball and basketball. Some gymnasiums offer exercise equipment and may be used for non-sporting events. Stop by your favorite parks for more recreational program information.

NUTRITION CLASSES

RUNNING TRACKS

Need a place to continue your running program? Considering starting a running regimen? Why not spend your time in a Los Angeles County park? Many parks have running tracks composed of various materials including decomposed granite, concrete, asphalt and natural materials available for use during regular park hours. Also consider talking to park recreation staff about joining in an organized run and/or Running/Walking Club.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has a long, proud history which has brought us to where we are today.

Prior to becoming the Department of Parks and Recreation, operations and facilities were managed by 1) the Parks Division, which was responsible for maintaining all physical aspects of parks under the Forester and Fire Warden’s Office, and 2) the Department of Recreation, Camps and Playgrounds which was responsible for administering all park programs.

On July 1, 1944, the Department of Parks and Recreation was created by ordinance and all functions were merged into this new Department. Since then, the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has been meeting the recreational needs of residents and visitors from all over the world through programming, facilities, land acquisition and environmental stewardship and more!

Today, the Department owns 182 beautiful parks including natural areas, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, trails, arboreta and botanic gardens and local, community and regional parks. The Department also operates the largest municipal golf system with 20 courses at 18 locations and owns great cultural venues including the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and the world famous Hollywood Bowl.

Creative and innovative recreational programming offers something special for every member of the family and a number of special events are held annually for the enjoyment of the entire community.

The Department is committed to providing social, cultural and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy! The mission and goals of the Department are accomplished through unwavering support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, County Chief Executive Office, partnerships with other County Departments, Friends Groups, Foundations, non-profit groups and other organizations and agencies and through a team of talented and dedicated employees and volunteers who understand completely how Parks Make Life Better!